Artist Residency 2024
Quinta Mazatlan- World Birding Center
January
I began painting outside years ago because I sensed it was something I needed. The hectic pace of our technological lives leaves us feeling disjointed and anxious. Carving out creative time in nature gives me the opportunity to reconnect and realign with natural rhythms. I feel joyful, surrounded by the beauty and energy of the outdoors.
After years of family turmoil that lead to divorce and a need to reinvent myself, I started this year feeling overwhelmed and raw. I knew from experience that creative time outdoors was my source for healing. I also believe that if I have this need for dedicated reflection time outdoors, others probably do too.
I designed this residency to open my creative practice to whomever would like to join me. The first session was overwhelmingly positive! I asked those in attendance to start by writing an intention for their practice, and explained the purpose was to respond to (not recreate) whatever tree or flower or bird they encounter. My thought is, we can not improve on the beautiful, natural complexities that surround us, but we can acknowledge them, learn from them, and breathe in their healing energies. After giving some guidance on approach, I held back so as not to interfere. Both the morning and afternoon sessions were well attended and I had many people express gratitude for their taking time to be slow and meditative in a beautiful, outdoor environment,
After years of family turmoil that lead to divorce and a need to reinvent myself, I started this year feeling overwhelmed and raw. I knew from experience that creative time outdoors was my source for healing. I also believe that if I have this need for dedicated reflection time outdoors, others probably do too.
I designed this residency to open my creative practice to whomever would like to join me. The first session was overwhelmingly positive! I asked those in attendance to start by writing an intention for their practice, and explained the purpose was to respond to (not recreate) whatever tree or flower or bird they encounter. My thought is, we can not improve on the beautiful, natural complexities that surround us, but we can acknowledge them, learn from them, and breathe in their healing energies. After giving some guidance on approach, I held back so as not to interfere. Both the morning and afternoon sessions were well attended and I had many people express gratitude for their taking time to be slow and meditative in a beautiful, outdoor environment,
Observations
January in South Texas is so beautiful. Temperatures are mild and the trees are filled with wintering birds. On subsequent visits, the sky was overcast and I fell in love with the silhouettes of branches and leaves, inspiring me to start an entirely new series on paper. You can watch me painting a study for this new series HERE.
Unexpectedly, an entire day painting and connecting with others on the beautiful grounds of Quinta also influenced other aspects of my life.
I used to love to cook and I have a good idea of what my body needs to be healthy- mainly a variety of whole and fermented foods. While it's not complicated, over the past several years since the pandemic, birth of my second child and adjusting to life as a single mom, food prep feels like an overwhelming chore. Most of the time, I feed my kids but not myself, feeling too tired and stressed to make healthy choices even though I know better. After a day painting outside, I walked into the grocery store and didn't feel overwhelmed. I picked out mushrooms and beets and scoops of beans, specifically considering how my selections will support the complex microbiome that exists within me. |
I came home and made a huge pot of bean and mushroom soup that I was able to share with friends. I wanted pizza, and instead of ordering some, remembered I had all the ingredients in the pantry to make my own. It was delicious. I'm reminded that this is the power of mindfulness, of choosing to slow down from the hectic pace of modern life. This- I'm learning- is something we forget to value and make time for, but is absolutely essential to our wellbeing.